Thursday, December 2, 2010

Fowl Paparazzi

This morning I got up VERY early to go check out the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge. I discovered when I got there that I should have gotten up even earlier! I stopped at the Visitor's Center to pick up a map and when I came out to the car all these MAJOR "birders" with all their photography equipment were RUNNING with their cameras, BIG lenses, and tripods. I asked a straggler where they were going and he said, pointing up in a tree (with reverence in his voice, I might add) "A Merlin!" In my ignorance, I thought it looked like a normal hawk, but tonight I came home and discovered that a Merlin is a type of falcon. So now I know.

Anyway, about my fellow birders....let's just say -- I had no idea.... I'm being so educated. Now, on to my incredible morning among the wildlife -- it made my heart soar!

This is Merlin

There is a thin layer of ice on the water and there was definitely ice in the air!

Sandhill Crane in Flight

Harris' Hawk

Harris' Hawk landing

More Paparazzi

Sandhill Cranes and Snow Geese

Snow Geese

Bottoms-Up! Haha! These ducks made me laugh. It was obviously feeding time.